Friday 27 December 2013

Kimono sleeved polka dot top

This is the kind of knit top I'm a bit short of in my wardrobe: one that's comfortable, but can also be dressed up when necessary. I don't know what it is about this pattern, (maybe it's the kimono sleeves?) but it definitely feels like it's a notch up from a plain old sweatshirt. The pattern I used was Burda 09/2011 108A  which I've used once before for my striped kimono top.


This is so, so easy to make it's ridiculous, even more so if you're not pattern matching stripes. It probably takes about half an hour maximum to sew together. Well it would have if I hadn't encountered a few neckband issues along the way. I'll spare you the gory details but in short, I ended up having to unpick the neckband I'd overlocked in place. I then went back to my original plan, which was to turn under the neckband and stitch. The result was plain and simple (although admittedly, a bit baggier than when I started) but it looks absolutely fine.

I made a few other small changes to the pattern from last time. I lowered the neckline slightly, took a chunk of about four inches off the length (the top is very long in its original state) and lengthened the sleeves by two inches to make them wrist length.


The fabric - a white jersey knit with large black polka dots - is quite a bit stretchier than the striped jersey I used for my first version. I used the same size for both tops (size 38) but this one came out a lot baggier, probably because the fabric wasn't quite as clingy. I shaved about ⅜" from the shoulder seams and around the sides and this improved the fit. I sewed the whole top on my overlocker, apart from the hems and neckline which were topstitched with a twin needle.

This top is my December make for the Minerva Craft Blogger Network. If you'd like to make your own version, Minerva has put together a kit which you can buy here, comprising 2m of white polka dot jersey fabric and matching thread. Two metres is probably quite generous, but I always err on the side of caution with kimono sleeves as the pattern pieces eat up a lot of fabric.


Despite the misbehaving neckline, I really like this top. I've been wearing it for the past couple of days and because it's such a neutral palette of black and white, it teams up well with any colour of cardigan. Hoorah! x

The kit was given to me free of charge as part of the Minerva Crafts Blogger Network. All views my own.


21 comments:

  1. It's a lovely top! I love it when basics aren't too basic. And polkadots are always a win in my book :-)

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  2. This looks like a perfectly comfortable and easy to wear every-day sort of top. You can't go wrong with polka dots, imo. I could use a few of these.

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  3. It's very pretty. Love a polka dot basic!

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  4. Polka dot basics! Love them!

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  5. I love this top! I've been using the free cation dolman sleeve top, which is similar to this shape, and it's just perfect for everyday wear. Your polka dots are super cute too :)

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  6. I guess that's another project for my to-do list! Lucky you, stitching today - I am still a hundred miles away from my sewing machine until the weekend x

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  7. Lovely, easy to wear, stylish & matches your general style really well.

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  8. Looks great! I've seen a number of awesome versions of this pattern in the blog-o-sphere. Maybe I need to pick it up!

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  9. Ooh love a spot. This is one of my fave patterns - it's so chic! Now I want a spotty version! :)

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  10. I love this polka dot top. Looks great.

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  11. Jane this is just fabulous and I am popping over to have a look at the package. So glad that I found your blog this year Jane as you have been an inspiration to me. Have a wonderful time
    Big Happy New Year Hugs
    Dorothy
    :-)xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

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  12. Those polka dots are too cute, Jane! This top is really adorable, and you're right, it will go with just about anything. Congrats! : )

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  13. This is so cute! I love it!

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  14. This is such a flattering (and very comfortable looking) top! Love that it can be worn in almost any season - well, if you live in the Pacific Northwest :)

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  15. Lovely top, just perfect with the polka dots!

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  16. Hi jane, I think you look absolutely gorgeous in your Kimono sleeved polka dot top

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    1. Rob! What are you doing here! Thank you darling! x

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  17. I love your top Jane! So glad I have the pattern for it, going the get the fabric. :-)

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  18. May I ask what seam allowance you used? I assume it was not as much as Burda recommended as you used a serger... I'm trying to figure out how to attach the neck band and must say that it is not making much sense to me. I'm a beginner.

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